"Modern critics of Eakins have described his artistic motivations and beliefs as prurient and even pathological. Amy Werbel challenges these interpretations and suggests instead that Eakins is best understood as a socially progressive artist and teacher devoted to an exacting and profound study of the human body, to equality for women and men, and to middle-class meritocratic and Quaker philosophies." "Anchored by a wealth of archival material, this book persuasively counters recent sensationalized portrayals of Eakins and is essential reading for anyone interested in nineteenth-century American art and cultural history."--Jacket.Přečíst více...

Anotace:

The life and work of Thomas Eakins, America's most celebrated portrait painter, have long generated heated controversy. This book sets Eakins in the context of Philadelphia's scientific, medical, and artistic communities in the nineteenth century, and considers his provocative behaviour in the light of other well-publicized scandals of his era.Přečíst více...

""Modern critics of Eakins have described his artistic motivations and beliefs as prurient and even pathological. Amy Werbel challenges these interpretations and suggests instead that Eakins is best understood as a socially progressive artist and teacher devoted to an exacting and profound study of the human body, to equality for women and men, and to middle-class meritocratic and Quaker philosophies." "Anchored by a wealth of archival material, this book persuasively counters recent sensationalized portrayals of Eakins and is essential reading for anyone interested in nineteenth-century American art and cultural history."--Jacket."